I thought I would begin with a short introduction to myself and then to the Creative Diary blog.
I am Andrew Middleton. I started out playing in punk and indie guitar bands, first in Belfast and then in Leeds. I worked for a while in Belfast in press photography at the height of ‘The Troubles’. Subsequently, I have recognised how I have always been driven to make stuff, whether that is music, visual work, or writing. And that continues.
I studied Fine Art and Printmaking in Leeds and then Sheffield in the 1990s. When I graduated, I looked for a career that would make a positive contribution to society. Consequently, I worked in Higher Education, starting out as a Library Assistant and finally becoming a Professor of Education. It was a slow and steady progression; one that mostly did not involve Fine Art or printmaking, but which did involve a lot of writing. My doctorate was submitted through a faculty of Art (not Education) and examined ‘Situated agency as a principle-based conception of learning studio for non-studio-based disciplines.’ This allowed me to bring together ideas about space, place, education, and art practice.
I began blogging and podcasting in 2005. As an academic innovator, I was always keen to improve education and the experience of all students believing learning should be a life-changing experience for all. My approach was to share my thinking with my peers to foster a healthy discourse about a student-centred education. I have published books, journal articles and many blog posts and podcasts to this end.
All this time, making music and taking photographs has continued. In 2026, I left Higher Education to recommit myself to printmaking, painting, photography, music and writing. This Creative Diary will chart my progress!
